Who are Middle East’s most influential women?

From Rima Maktabi, CNN

An International Women’s Day protest in Ankara, Turkey, in March 2011

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Tell us which women from the Middle East inspire you most

Do you admire women artists, activists, politicians or business leaders?

Arab Spring has given some women a chance to shine more than ever

Istanbul, Turkey (CNN) — Whether it’s as activists or politicians, artists or business leaders, women in the Middle East are stepping into the spotlight as never before.

Some stereotypes still need to be challenged; domestic violence, illiteracy and conservative views continue to fuel a gender gap in many part of the region.

However, women are now proving their worth in most walks of life.

‘Saudi Women Revolution’ makes a stand for equal rights

This month, Inside the Middle East focuses on a few women leading the charge: Iraqi political activists, Saudi artists, Turkish footballers and the renowned Egyptian author and feminist, Dr. Nawal Sadawi.

We meet two Baghdadi women — one a human rights activist and the other a blogger — facing the challenges of trying to rebuild their shattered country and making sure the key decisions are not left solely to the men.

We know we have missed many inspirational women and would like your help

Revolution signals new dawn for Egypt’s women

Meanwhile in Istanbul, the base for this month’s show, Turkey’s first female film director Cahide Sonku — adorns the wall of the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, which is celebrating Turkey’s women artists.

The exhibition “Dream and Reality” highlights the changing position of women in Turkish society through paintings and videos by women artists over 150 years.

But we know we have missed many inspirational women and would like your help.

Who do you think are the Middle East’s most influential women?

The woman who wants to be Egypt’s first female president

Are you inspired by Saudi’s women drivers campaigning for equal rights? Or by the Lebanese fashion designer Reem Accra? By the women who slept out in Tahrir Square for nights on end during Egypt’s revolution? By Turkey’s former prime minister Tansu Ciller?

Comment below to help us find the female stars of the Middle East.

via Who are Middle East’s most influential women? – CNN.com.